Compensation for ambient sound signals to facilitate adjustment of an audio volume

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to audio device and wearable computing devices to detect and characterize an ambient sound, to adjust an output volume of an audio device. More specifically, disclosed are systems, components and methods to generate audio signals associated with an audio device and an output volume, receive ambient sound signals associated with an ambient sound source, detect the ambient sound signals reaching a threshold intensity, analyzing digital data representing the ambient sound and adjust the audio signals to change the output volume according to a category of the ambient sound signals.

FIELD

Embodiments relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware,computer software, wired and wireless network communications, and audiodevices for detection and characterization of an ambient sound, toadjust an output volume of an audio device. More specifically, anapparatus and method are configured to adjust an volume at which anaudio device is propagating sound energy in response to an ambientsound.

BACKGROUND

Audio systems including an audio speaker or a headphone are usedcommonly in a variety of human activities. While modern audio systemsgenerate audio with improved sound clarity and quality, conventionalaudio systems are not well-suited to respond to various ambient soundsin an environment that surrounds the audio system.

An example of a conventional audio system is a home audio system, suchas a Bluetooth-enabled audio player with loudspeakers. When a userlistens to music through the home audio system, the music volumetypically remains the same or at a level at which a user initiallyadjusts the music volume. However, a change in the sounds of anenvironment can interfere with a listener's ability to enjoy music orotherwise perceive audio-related information, such as during ateleconference. For instance, when a user enters a shower, therelatively loud sounds of water tend to inference with the acousticenergy of the music, thereby causing difficulty in hearing the music. Inother instances, when a guest rings a doorbell, the volume of the audiogenerated by an audio system may drown out the doorbell sound, leaving alistener unable to hear the doorbell, which, in turn, causes the door togo unanswered. Similarly, when a user picks up a phone call when theaudio system is playing, the sound level of music may cause either theuser to talk over the phone more loudly than is necessary or interferewith the caller's ability to hear the listener, or both.

Another example of the audio system is an audio headphone. When a runnerlistens to the music through an audio headset, the runner cannot hearthe music while running through a loud area (e.g., a shopping area, ornear a busy restaurant). However, in response to the increased ambientsound, if the runner substantially increases the music volume manually,the relatively loud levels of music may put the runner in danger becauseloud volume might conceal imminent alerting sound, such as sirens, or asound of an automotive approaching behind the runner, such as hybridautomobile implementing battery power.

Thus, there is a need to dynamically modify volume of an audio system inresponse to different types of characterized ambient sounds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the invention aredisclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanyingdrawings:

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an audio device configured to adjust alevel of volume of an audio signal, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B depicts another example of another audio device configured toadjust a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an audio deviceconfigured to a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a pattern matcher configured tocommunicate with an acoustic control processor, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 4 is an example flow diagram for adjusting the audio signals tochange a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an audio device configured to decreasea level of volume of an audio signal, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6A illustrates an example of an audio device configured to increasea level of volume of an audio signal, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 6B illustrates another example of an audio device configured toincrease a level of volume of an audio signal in association with awearable computing device, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 7A illustrates another example of an audio device configured toadjust a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 7B illustrates another example of an audio device configured todecrease the output volume, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of an audio device configured toadjust a level of volume of an audio signal in association with awearable computing device and another audio device, according to someembodiments;

FIG. 9 is an example of a selected sound waveform, according to someembodiments; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary computing platform disposed in an audiodevice, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments or examples may be implemented in numerous ways,including as a system, a process, an apparatus, a user interface, or aseries of program instructions on a computer readable medium such as acomputer readable storage medium or a computer network where the programinstructions are sent over optical, electronic, or wirelesscommunication links. In general, operations of disclosed processes maybe performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in theclaims.

A detailed description of one or more examples is provided below alongwith accompanying figures. The detailed description is provided inconnection with such examples, but is not limited to any particularexample. The scope is limited only by the claims and numerousalternatives, modifications, and equivalents are encompassed. Numerousspecific details are set forth in the following description in order toprovide a thorough understanding. These details are provided for thepurpose of example and the described techniques may be practicedaccording to the claims without some or all of these specific details.For clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fieldsrelated to the examples has not been described in detail to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the description.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of an audio device configured to adjust alevel of volume of an audio signal, according to some embodiments. Insome embodiments, audio device 100 includes logic to detectaudio-related data and to drive one or more loudspeakers, whereby audiodevice 100 can be implemented as an audio speaker, a wired or wirelessaudio speaker, a portable wireless Bluetooth® Speaker, or the like.Audio device 100 can house one or more transducers, including speakers102 and a microphone 104. Speaker 102 is configured to convertelectrical audio signals to corresponding acoustical signals, thusgenerating or propagating acoustic energy that represents audio (e.g., asound). Microphone 104 is configured to convert acoustic signals of asound into electrical audio signals, which are further processed byaudio device 100.

Audio device 100 further includes an audio control processor 112 thatcan be configured to communicate with one or more components or modules(not shown) to receive data in communication (e.g., over a wirelessnetwork) with audio device 100. According to some embodiments, audiodevice 100 includes at least one sensor 110. Sensor 110 can be alocation sensor which is configured to receive proximity digital dataindicating a sound source location, or is otherwise configured todetermine a position or direction from which a sound source originates,such as an ambient sound. Audio device 100 may further include an audiosource 106 that is configure provide data representing any type ofaudio, such as voice data, music data, etc. Audio source 106 can be anytype of known sound source, such as a radio source (e.g., logicconfigured to provide a broadcast RF radio, or Internet radio), a verbalcommunication source (e.g., a teleconference phone), a music player, orthe like. Audio device 100 can include one or more converters 108, suchas an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter for digitizing sounds from anenvironment, including voices and ambient sounds. In some embodiments,the audio device may further include a memory, an audio amplifier(“AMP”), and a power source (not shown).

FIG. 1B depicts another example of an audio device configured to adjusta level of volume of an audio signal, according to some embodiments. Insome embodiments, audio device 200 includes a wired or wirelessheadphone (e.g., a Bluetooth headphone or ear bud) configured totransmit and receive audio data via wireless a network. Audio device 200may include a speaker 202 and a microphone 204. According to someembodiments, audio device 200 can further include one or more of anacoustic control processor, a memory, an AMP, a converter, an audiosource, a sensor and a power source, none of which are depicted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an audio device 200configured to adjust a level of volume of an audio signal, according tosome embodiments. For example, audio device 200 includes, withoutlimitation, to a microphone 202, one or more speakers 204, a memory 224,an AMP 214, a converter 216, an acoustic control processor 206, anacoustic database 208, an acoustic manager 210, a pattern matcher 212,an audio source 218, a power source 220, and one or more sensors 222.

According to some embodiments, one or more sensors 222 housed in audiodevice 200 may be configured to receive or otherwise determine proximitydigital data representing a spatial direction of the ambient soundsource. In some embodiments, one or more sensors 222 can be configuredto receive location data of a computing wearable device transmitted fromthe computing wearable device (not shown). Examples of components orelements that implement sensor 222, including those components used todetermine proximity of an sound source (e.g., of a user), are disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/831,422, entitled“Proximity-Based Control of Media Devices,” filed on Mar. 14, 2013 withAttorney Docket No. ALI-229, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Speakers 204 can be configured to generate a foreground sound generatedby audio source 218, according to some embodiments. In some examples, aforeground sound represents desired audio, such as music or voicedaudio, that a listener is principally focused upon. Microphone 202 isconfigured to receive, among other things, an ambient sound to transformthe ambient sound into analog sound signals. Microphone 202 is furtherconfigured to communicate with converter 216, which can be configured toconvert the received analog ambient signals into digitized ambient soundsignals. Also, the ambient sound signals can be conveyed to acousticcontrol processor 206. Power source 220 housed in audio device 200 isconfigured to energize audio device 200.

Such ambient sound signals include information describing one or morecharacteristics of the ambient sound, such as intensity, frequency,timbre, and spatial direction, and the like. At least some of thesecharacteristics can be embodied in data representing a waveform (e.g.,depicted as a waveform diagram. For example, sound intensity (measuredin dB) may be reflected in the amplitude line (y axis) of the waveform,and sound frequency (measured in Hz) may be reflected in the time line(x axis) of the waveform. Timbre, often described as the harmoniccontent of the sound, may be embodied in the shape of the waveform. Inaddition, because a sound may contain multiple frequencies, afundamental frequency may be used to describe the sound. Besides thewaveform data, other data can be used, too. For example, a spatialdirection indicating the ambient sound's relative location to the audiodevice may be represented by location parameters (e.g., represented byone or more points in an x, y, z coordinate system).

Acoustic control processor 206 is configured to receiving the ambientsound signals, and to implement one or more of acoustic database 208,acoustic manager 210 and pattern matcher 212. In some examples, acousticcontrol processor 206 is configured to detect that one or morecharacteristics of ambient sound signals meet one or more criteria, and,in response, acoustic control processor 206 performs one or moreactions. For example, acoustic control processor 206 can detect whethervalues (e.g., magnitudes) of the ambient sound signals reach a thresholdintensity (e.g., a range of decibel values in the intensity of theambient sound signals). The threshold intensity can be static ordynamic, and it can be determined automatically or manually. Accordingto some embodiments, acoustic manager 210 may determine the thresholdintensity as a function of a sound level that may interfere with thepropagation of foreground sound signals, which, in turn, likelyinterferes with the hearing/perception of the foreground sound. Anexample of such threshold intensity is the sound intensity of a normalconversation near or about 60 dB. In some embodiments, the thresholdintensity may be dynamically associated to the foreground sound volume.For example, a larger foreground sound volume may cause acoustic controlprocessor 206 to set a higher threshold intensity. According to otherembodiments, a user may manually set the threshold intensity.

In instances when the ambient sound signals reaches a thresholdintensity, acoustic control processor 206 is configured to analyze datarepresenting the ambient sound, including data describing one or morecharacteristics of the ambient sound, such as intensity, frequency,timbre, and spatial direction, and the like. Based on the results of theanalysis, acoustic control processor 206 can adjust the output volume(e.g., the level of volume of propagated audio signals).

Further, acoustic control processor 206 can implement acoustic manager210 and pattern matcher 112 to perform the analysis. Acoustic manager210, in communication with acoustic control processor 206, is configuredto select sample data representing at least one of the acousticcharacteristics, the sample data being determined for used by patternmatcher 112 to detect matches against database 208. The acousticcharacteristic data can be selected from data representing the ambientsound signals. In some embodiments, acoustic manager 210 may applymultiple factors to select the sample data which are representative indescribing the ambient sound signals. Examples of the multiple factorsinclude: an intensity range of the ambient sound signal, a fundamentalfrequency of the ambient sound (or frequency range of the same), and thelike. To illustrate, consider that when the ambient sound intensity andfundamental frequency are within the range of a human voice (e.g. soundintensity at 60˜80 dB, fundamental frequency at 85˜255 Hz), acousticmanager 210 may select digital data describing, for example, a 1-secondwaveform diagram as the sample data. By determining ambient soundrelates to a voice, then further analysis can be performed to determineif it is intended to be communicated or whether it interferes with theforeground sound. In another example, when the ambient sound signalsdoes not include a fundamental frequency, acoustic manager 210 mayselect digital data representing the frequency range and proximity asthe sample data. Yet in another example, acoustic manager 210 may selectsample data representing a predominant amount or all of the acousticcharacteristics of the ambient sound signals.

Pattern matcher 212, in communication with acoustic control processor206, is configured to compare the sample data with data stored in aplurality of acoustic files (not shown), according to some embodiments.In some cases, pattern matcher 212 may perform a comparison using anacoustic-file matching technique described in FIG. 3. Referring back toFIG. 2, acoustic database 208 is configured to store data in a pluralityof acoustic files for the acoustic-file matching process, according tosome embodiments. Further, pattern matcher 212 can be further configuredto determine a category of the ambient sound signals. According to someembodiments, categories of the ambient sound signals include, forexample, (1.) a response-solicitation sound category, and (2.) anon-response-solicitation sound category. In some embodiments, thenon-response-solicitation sound category further may include a voidsound sub-category.

The first category includes those sounds that solicits (or expects tosolicit) an active response from a listener. According to someembodiments, a “response-solicitation sound” can refer, at least in somecases, to sounds that are generated to solicit are response or cause thelistener to take a particular course of action. Generally, aresponse-solicitation sound causes the listener's attention to focus onthe first category of sounds, and, as such, ought not be concealed orignored by the listener (e.g., due to interference with the audio).Therefore, upon determining an ambient sound by pattern matcher 212 as aresponse-solicitation sound, a foreground sound of an audio device(which may conceal the response-solicitation sound) may be reduced toallow a listener to hear the response-solicitation sound and properlyrespond to it. That is, pattern matcher 212 instructs acoustic controlprocessor 206 to adjust the foreground sound so that the listener candetect, perceive or otherwise hear the ambient sound. An example of aresponse-solicitation sound is a siren of a police vehicle, which isintended to alert a listener to take action to, for example, yield to apolice vehicle. Another example is a baby's crying, as the crying soundis instinctively generated to alert the listener to comfort the baby.Other examples of the response-solicitation sound include a door ring, auser's conversation in a phone call, and the like.

The second category includes those sounds that need not require, or isnot necessarily generated to solicit, an response (e.g., an activeresponse by a listener. According to some embodiments, a“non-response-solicitation sound” can refer, at least in some cases, tosound that a listener need not respond to, or is generated withoutregard to the listener. Generally, a non-response-solicitation sound maybe neglected by a listener. In a predominant number of cases, anon-response-solicitation sound is a sound that likely interferes withthe desired audio, such a foreground sounds, in which the listener isengaged. Therefore, upon determining an ambient sound by pattern matcher212 as a non-response-solicitation sound, acoustic control processor 206is configured to adjust a foreground sound of an audio device. That is,an output volume or sound level of propagate audio signals may beincreased to offset any auditory interferences caused by thenon-response-solicitation sound. An example of thenon-response-solicitation sound is the relatively loud sound of waterhitting a tub or floor in a shower. This sound is one that does notrequire the listener to respond to it. Another example is the backgroundnoise from a busy street when a listener walks through it. Otherexamples of the non-response-solicitation sound include sounds oftraffic, audio from a television, a neighbor's dog barking, a backgroundsound of a restaurant, and the like.

Further, a sub-category of the second category, which is optional, isdescribed as follows. The sub-category includes those sounds that likelyto do not interfere with the propagation of the desired audio. Inparticular, a “void sound,” at least in some examples, refers to anon-response-solicitation sound that need not or does not interfere withthe listener's hearing of the foreground sound. As such, acousticcontrol processor 206 can forego modifying the output volume. Thus, whenpattern matcher 212 determines a void sound is present, pattern matcher212 can disable or cancel a need to increase the foreground sound. Avoid sound is an exception and a sub-category of thenon-response-solicitation sound. An example of a void sound is arelatively low-level sound close to an audio device, but far from alistener of the audio device. Thus, even though the low-level sound is anon-response-solicitation sound (as it does not require a listener'sactive response), the vacuum sound may not lead to an increasedforeground sound because it does not interfere with the listener'shearing of the foreground sound.

Based on the categorization of an ambient sound signal, acoustic controlprocessor 206 is configured to adjust the audio signals to change theoutput volume according to the category of the ambient sound signal. Forexample, a baby's crying sound, being determined as aresponse-solicitation sound, may cause the audio device to lower theforeground sound. In another example, a busy street noise, beingdetermined as a non-response-solicitation sound, may cause the audiodevice to increase the foreground sound. According to some embodiments,acoustic control processor 206 is further configured to determine anadjustment amount for the acoustic signals. In some embodiments, theadjustment amount may be related to the ambient sound intensity, wherebyan output volume increases either linearly or non-linearly withincreases in the sound levels of the ambient sounds. In some cases, theadjustment amount may be subject to a maximum amount such that theoutput volume ceases to increases in corresponding increases of theintensity of the ambient sound. According to other embodiments, acousticcontrol processor 206 is further configured to detect a reduction orelimination as a dissipation of the ambient sound signals, and cancelthe adjustment in the audio signals. A dissipation of the ambient soundsignals indicates the intensity of the ambient sound reaching below thethreshold intensity that triggers the adjustment in the audio signals.

FIG. 3 illustrates a pattern matcher 320 implementing sample data 308that is selected by an acoustic manager 318, according to someembodiments. Also shown is an acoustic database 300 configured to storedata in a plurality of acoustic files, including acoustic file 302, 304and 306. Each acoustic file 302, 304 and 306 may contain datarepresenting various sound signals, such as a siren sound, a user'svoice, common traffic noise, a doorbell sound, baby's crying sound, andthe like. For example, acoustic file 302 may contain data representingboth a waveform diagram for a siren sound and data describingfundamental frequency ranges of the siren sound. In some embodiments,acoustic database 300 may be stored within the audio device. In otherembodiments, acoustic database 300 may be stored in another server incommunication with the audio device. Furthermore, data in acousticfiles, such as acoustic file 302, can be amended or deleted as needed.For example, data representing a user's voice waveform can be added tothe acoustic file to assist identifying the user's voice. As such, auser can activate an acoustic control processor to record or capturecommon noises experienced, for example, in a room at a given time ofday. This data is stored as an acoustic file and can be used to identifycommon noises in the future with matches to the acoustic file. As it isa common noise that is captured with indications that it is anon-response-solicitation sound, an acoustic control processor can beconfigured to filter out the common noises. In some embodiments, sampledata 308 may represent some or all acoustic characteristics of theambient sound signals (e.g., waveform diagram 310, frequency 312,intensity 314, and proximity digital data 316).

According to some embodiments, pattern matcher 320 is configured tocompare sample data, including one or more of waveform diagram 310,frequency 312 (or ranges of frequency), intensity 314, and proximitydata 316, with data stored in acoustic files 302, 304, and 306. In anexample, pattern matcher 320 may perform an acoustic-file matchingprocess by comparing sample digital data 308 with data stored in eachacoustic file 302, 304 and 306 until a match is determined. In oneexample, the match in the pattern may be a precise match between the twocompared files (e.g., the same fundamental frequency). In anotherexample, the match maybe a less-precise match (e.g., two fundamentalfrequencies fall within a range). A pattern match identifies an ambientsound signals' source, such as a police car's siren, or a baby's cry.

According to some embodiments, pattern matcher 320 is further configuredto determine a category of the ambient sound signals. According to someembodiments, a category of the ambient sound signals includes aresponse-solicitation sound category 322 and a non-response-solicitationsound category 324. In some embodiments, the non-response-solicitationsound category further includes a void sound sub-category 326.

FIG. 4 is an example flow diagram 400 for adjusting the audio signals tochange a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments. At 402, flow diagram 400 begins with generating audiosignals associated with an audio device and an output volume (e.g., at alevel of volume of an audio signal). At 404, flow diagram 400 followswith receiving ambient sound signals associated with an ambient soundsource. At 406, flow diagram 400 follows with the detection of theambient sound signal reaching one or more threshold intensities. At 408,sample data representing at least one of the one or more acousticcharacteristics is selected. At 410, the sample data representing anacoustic characteristic is compared with a plurality of acoustic files,with a category of the ambient sound signals being determined at 412. At414, audio signals are adjusted to change the output volume as afunction of the category of the ambient sound signals.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an audio device 500 configured todecrease a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments. Audio device 500 includes a wired or wireless audiospeaker, or a portable wireless Bluetooth-based speaker. Audio device500 can also include, without limitation, to an audio control processor502, one or more speakers 504, and one or more microphone 506. In thisexample, audio device 500 is configured to play music 512 in anenvironment.

A listener 508 can set a first volume of music 512 at which to enjoy themusic. During the playing of the music 512, listener 508 receives a calland starts to talk over phone 516, generating a user voice 510.Microphone 506 is configured to receive user voice 510 associated withambient sound signals. According to the descriptions aforementioned,audio control processor 502 is configured to detect that user voice 510reaches a threshold intensity, such as 60 dB, and to analyze datarepresenting the user voice 510. The analysis is performed to determinewhether to select sample data, such as data representing a waveform ofuser sound 514. Audio device 500 can compare data representing waveformof user sound 514 with data stored in a plurality of acoustic filesuntil a match is found, and detect that user sound 514 is aresponse-solicitation sound because it solicits an active conversation(response) from user 508. Based on the categorization as aresponse-solicitation sound, audio control processor 502 is configuredto reduce the first volume of music 512 to a second level, enablinglistener 508 to talk over phone 510 with minimal interference fromforeground music sounds. According to some embodiments, after listener508 hangs up phone 516, audio control processor 502, upon detecting theuser voice 510 falls below the threshold intensity, can cause the firstvolume of music 512 to be re-established.

FIG. 6A illustrates an example of an audio device 600 configured toincrease a level of volume of an audio signal, according to someembodiments. Referring to FIG. 6A, audio device 600 includes a wired orwireless audio speaker, or a portable wireless Bluetooth Speaker. Audiodevice 600 includes, without limitation, to an audio control processor602, one or more speakers 606, and one or more microphones 608. Audiodevice 600, at least in this example, is configured to play music 610 inan environment.

A listener 616 can select a first volume of music 610 at which to enjoythe music. During the playing of the music 610, listener 616 enters ashower 612 in which a shower sound 614 is generated by water forcefullyhitting the tub or tile. Thus, shower sound 614 may cause listener 616to have difficulty in hearing music 610 at the first volume. Accordingto the various implementations described herein, audio control processor602 is configured to detect that shower sound 614 reaches a thresholdintensity, such as 80 dB, and then analyzes digital representing showersound 614, whereby sample data is selected (e.g., sample datarepresenting a frequency range of shower sound 614). After selecting thesample data, audio control processor 602 can compare data representingthe frequency range of shower sound 614 with data stored in a pluralityof frequencies until a match is determined. Upon determining a match forshower sound 614, shower sound 614 can be identified as anon-response-solicitation sound because it does not require an action(response) from listener 616, among other reasons. Furthermore, audiocontrol processor 602 is configured to increase the first volume ofmusic 610 to a second level, allowing listener 616 to enjoy music 610 inshower 612.

FIG. 6B illustrates another example of an audio device 640 configured toincrease a level of volume of an audio signal in association with awearable computing device 662, according to some embodiments. An audiodevice 640 can include, without limitations, to an audio controlprocessor 642, a speaker 646, a microphone 648, and a location sensor644. According to some embodiments, location sensor 644 is configured toreceive data (e.g., GPS data, proximity data, etc.) describing alistener location 658, for example, transmitted from a computingwearable device 662 worn by a listener 656. In some embodiments,location sensor 644 is further configured to receive proximity digitaldata representing shower location 660 or the location of audio device640. In some cases, location sensor 644 is configured to derive datarepresenting listener location 658.

According to some embodiments, listener 656 can determine a first volumeof music 650 at which to enjoy the music. During the playing of music650, a shower 652 is turned on, generating a shower sound 654. Audiocontrol processor 642 is configured to detect shower sound 654 reachinga threshold intensity, such as 80 dB, and then analyzes datarepresenting shower sound 655 to select sample digital data (e.g., datarepresenting a frequency range of shower sound 654, as well as datarepresenting shower location 660 (X1, Y1 and Z1)). Audio controlprocessor 642 can compare data representing the frequency range ofshower sound 654 with data stored in a plurality of frequencies, andcompare the proximity data representing shower location 660 (X1, Y1 andZ1) with the data describing listener location 658 (X2, Y2 and Z2)transmitted from computing wearable device 662. Even though a showersound may be presumed to be a non-response-solicitation sound, if showerlocation 660 is within a threshold range, such as 3 ft., to listenerlocation 658 (indicating listener 656 is in shower 652), shower sound654 is determined as a non-response-solicitation sound because it indeedinterferes with listener 656's hearing of the music. Accordingly, audiocontrol processor 642 is configured to increase the first volume ofmusic 650 to a second level, allowing listener 656 to enjoy music 650 inshower 652. If shower location 660 is outside of a threshold range, suchas greater than 3 ft., to listener location 658 (indicating listener 656is in not in shower 652), shower sound 654 is then determined as thevoid sound sub-category as shower sound 654 need not interfere withlistener's enjoyment of music 650. Accordingly, audio control processorcancels the adjustment of the first volume of music 650.

FIG. 7A illustrates another example of a headphone 702 configured toadjust a level of volume of an audio signal for a user 700, according tosome embodiments. Referring to FIG. 7A, headphone 702 includes awireless Bluetooth headphone.

FIG. 7B illustrates another example of a headphone 704 configured todecrease the output volume, according to some embodiments. Headphone 704can also represent one or more wearable speakers, such as ear buds.Referring to FIG. 7B, a listener 712 uses a headphone 704 to listen tomusic 706 at a first volume. According to some embodiments, headphone702 includes one or more of the components described herein (not shown).Near listener 712, a siren sound 710 is generated by a police car 708.An audio control processor can be configured to detect siren sound 710reached a threshold intensity, such as 100 dB, and analyze datarepresenting siren sound 710 to select sample data (e.g., datarepresenting a waveform of siren sound 710). The audio control processorcan compare data representing the waveform of siren sound 710 with datastored in a plurality of acoustic files (not shown), and detect thatsiren sound 710 is a response-solicitation (i.e., it requires listener702 to yield (or otherwise actively respond) for police car 708.Furthermore, audio control processor is configured to reduce the firstvolume of music 706 to a second level (or even silence) music 706,alerting listener 712 to yield police car 708.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a wireless speaker 800 configuredto adjust a level of volume of an audio signal in association with awearable computing device 820 and another wireless speaker 810,according to some embodiments. According to some embodiments, wirelessspeaker 800 plays music 812 through a speaker 802 at a first volume. Insome embodiments, a user 814 plays a guitar and generates a guitar sound818, and/or may sing a song with a user voice 815. In some embodiments,a location sensor 808 housed in wireless speaker 800 is configured toreceive proximity data representing an approximate spatial direction ofguitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816. In another example, locationsensor 808 is further configured to receive location data of user 814from a computing wearable device 820.

According to the descriptions aforementioned, audio control processor806 is configured to detect guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816reaches respective threshold intensities, such as 80 dB, and analyzedigital data representing guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816 toselect sample digital data (e.g., data representing a waveform of guitarsound 818 and/or user voice 816, and proximity digital data of guitarsound 818). Audio control processor 806 can compare data representingthe waveform of guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816 with data storedin a number of waveforms. Also audio control processor 806 can comparethe proximity data of guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816 with datarepresenting user 814's location transmitted from computing wearabledevice 820. Then, audio control processor 806 can determine thecategories of guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816 as aresponse-solicitation sound because it requires user 814 to continuesinging or playing guitar. Furthermore, audio control processor 806 isconfigured to reduce the first volume of music 812 to a second level,allowing user 814 to enjoy his singing or playing.

According to some embodiments, wireless speaker 800 and 810 are inconfigured to communicate with each other and play the same music.However, wireless speaker 810 may be geographically outside of theacoustic space of guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816. According tosome embodiments, wireless speaker 810 is configured to continue to playmusic 814 at a volume without being influenced by user voice 816 and/orguitar sound 818. In some other embodiments, wireless speaker 810 isconfigured to lower a volume of music 814 even though it is not withinthe acoustic space of guitar sound 818 and/or user voice 816.

FIG. 9 is an example of a random noise wave form, according to someembodiments. FIG. 9 illustrates a random noise waveform may be stored inan acoustic database for comparing and determination a category of thesample digital data, as discussed herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary computing platform disposed in audiodevice, according to some embodiments. In some examples, computingplatform 1000 may be used to implement computer programs, applications,methods, processes, algorithms, or other software to perform theabove-described techniques. Computing platform 1000 includes a bus 1002or other communication mechanism for communicating information, whichinterconnects subsystems and devices, such as processor 1004, systemmemory 1006 (e.g., RAM, etc.), storage device 1008 (e.g., ROM, etc.), acommunication interface 1013 (e.g., an Ethernet or wireless controller,a Bluetooth controller, etc.) to facilitate communications via a port oncommunication link 1021 to communicate, for example, with a computingdevice, including mobile computing and/or communication devices withprocessors. Processor 1004 can be implemented with one or more centralprocessing units (“CPUs”), such as those manufactured by Intel®Corporation, or one or more virtual processors, as well as anycombination of CPUs and virtual processors. Computing platform 1000exchanges data representing inputs and outputs via input-and-outputdevices 1001, including, but not limited to, keyboards, mice, audioinputs (e.g., speech-to-text devices), user interfaces, displays,monitors, cursors, touch-sensitive displays, LCD or LED displays, andother I/O-related devices.

According to some examples, computing platform 1000 performs specificoperations by audio control processor 1004 executing one or moresequences of one or more instructions stored in system memory 1006, andcomputing platform 1000 can be implemented in a client-serverarrangement, peer-to-peer arrangement, or as any mobile computingdevice, including smart phones and the like. Such instructions or datamay be read into system memory 1006 from another computer readablemedium, such as storage device 1008. In some examples, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of or in combination with softwareinstructions for implementation. Instructions may be embedded insoftware or firmware. The term “computer readable medium” refers to anytangible medium that participates in providing instructions to processor1004 for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but notlimited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile mediaincludes, for example, optical or magnetic disks and the like. Volatilemedia includes dynamic memory, such as system memory 1006.

Common forms of computer readable media includes, for example, floppydisk, flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, anyother physical medium with patterns of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM,FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read. Instructions may further be transmittedor received using a transmission medium. The term “transmission medium”may include any tangible or intangible medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying instructions for execution by the machine,and includes digital or analog communications signals or otherintangible medium to facilitate communication of such instructions.Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiberoptics, including wires that comprise bus 1002 for transmitting acomputer data signal.

In some examples, execution of the sequences of instructions may beperformed by computing platform 1000. According to some examples,computing platform 1000 can be coupled by communication link 1021 (e.g.,a wired network, such as LAN, PSTN, or any wireless network) to anyother processor to perform the sequence of instructions in coordinationwith (or asynchronous to) one another. Computing platform 1000 maytransmit and receive messages, data, and instructions, including programcode (e.g., application code) through communication link 1021 andcommunication interface 1013. Received program code may be executed byprocessor 1004 as it is received, and/or stored in memory 1006 or othernon-volatile storage for later execution.

In the example shown, system memory 1006 can include various modulesthat include executable instructions to implement functionalitiesdescribed herein. In the example shown, system memory 1006 includes anacoustic database module 1060 configured to store data in the pluralityof acoustic files. Acoustic manager module 1062 and pattern matchermodule 1064 each can be configured to provide one or more functionsdescribed herein.

Although the foregoing examples have been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, the above-described inventivetechniques are not limited to the details provided. There are manyalternative ways of implementing the above-described inventiontechniques. The disclosed examples are illustrative and not restrictive.

What is claimed:
 1. A method comprising: generating audio signalsassociated with an audio device and an output volume; receiving ambientsound signals associated with an ambient sound source, the ambient soundsignals including one or more acoustic characteristics; detecting theambient sound signals reaching a threshold intensity; analyzing digitaldata representing the ambient sound signals, analyzing furthercomprises: selecting sample digital data representing at least one ofthe one or more acoustic characteristics; comparing the sample digitaldata representing the at least one of the one or more acousticcharacteristics with data stored in a plurality of acoustic files; anddetermining a category of the ambient sound signals, and adjusting theaudio signals to change the output volume according to the category ofthe ambient sound signals.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one ormore acoustic characteristics include intensity, frequency, timbre, andspatial direction.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the category of theambient sound signals includes a response-solicitation sound categoryand a non-response-solicitation sound category.
 4. The method of claim3, wherein the non-response-solicitation sound category further includesa void sound sub-category.
 5. The method of claim 2, further comprises:receiving proximity digital data representing a spatial direction of theambient sound source via one or sensors housed in the audio device. 6.The method of claim 5, further comprises: receiving location datatransmitted from a computing wearable device via the one or more sensorshoused in the audio device.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein adjustingthe audio signals to change the output volume according to the categoryof the ambient sound further comprises: determining an adjustment amountin the audio signals.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising:detecting a dissipation of the ambient sound signals; and cancelingadjusting the audio signals.
 9. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: converting the ambient sound signals into digital datarepresenting the ambient sound signals.
 10. An apparatus, comprising: ahousing; an audio source contained in the housing; one or more audiotransducers configured to generate audio signals associated with theapparatus and an output volume; and receive ambient sound signalsassociated with an ambient sound source, the ambient sound signalsincluding one or more acoustic characteristics, an audio controlprocessor configured to detect the ambient sound signals reaching athreshold intensity; analyze digital data representing the ambient soundsignals, wherein the audio control processor is further configured toselect sample digital data representing at least one of the one or moreacoustic characteristics; compare the sample digital data representingthe at least one of the one or more acoustic characteristics with datastored in a plurality of acoustic files; and determine a category of theambient sound signals, and adjust the audio signals to change the outputvolume according to the category of the ambient sound signals.
 11. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the one or more acoustic characteristicsinclude intensity, frequency, timbre, and spatial direction.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the category of the ambient sound signalsincludes a response-solicitation sound category and anon-response-solicitation sound category.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12,wherein the non-response-solicitation sound category further includes avoid sound sub-category.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising: one or more sensors contained in the housing configured toreceive proximity digital data representing a spatial direction of theambient sound source.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one ormore sensors contained in the housing are further configured to receivelocation data transmitted from a computing wearable device.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the audio control processor furthercomprises: an acoustic manager configured to select sample digital datarepresenting at least one of the one or more acoustic characteristics,and a pattern matcher configured to compare the sample digital datarepresenting the at least one of the one or more acousticcharacteristics with data stored a plurality of acoustic files; anddetermine a category of the ambient sound signals.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 10, further comprising an acoustic database associated with theaudio control processor, the acoustic database being configured to storethe data in the plurality of acoustic files.
 18. The apparatus of claim10, wherein the audio control processor is further configured todetermine an adjustment amount in the audio signals.
 19. The apparatusof claim 10, wherein the audio control processor is further configuredto detect a dissipation of the ambient sound signals; and cancel theadjust in the audio signals.
 20. The apparatus of claim 10, furthercomprising a converter configured to convert the ambient sound signalsinto digital data representing the ambient sound signals.